(SPOT.ph) Earlier this month, the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board announced that fares for buses and jeepneys will increase in November, following a petition filed by several transport groups in September seeking fare hikes to cope with rising fuel prices. For jeepneys, the minimum fare will increase from P9 to P10. For buses, the minimum fare will increase from P10 to P11 for those plying the Metro, and P12 to P13 for provincial buses, respectively.
On October 23, commuter Arlis Acao, alongside Rodolfo Javellana, Jr. of the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters filed a petition with the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to put a stop to the fare hikes. They claim that jeepney and bus drivers earn more than the minimum wage and that they make more money than some people who take public transportation, such as senior citizens and students.
Today, the LTFRB delivered a punch to commuters’ wallets and denied the petition, saying that no new issues were presented that could make the board reverse its previous findings, which means that the fare hike will indeed push through next month—adding one more thing we all need to save for on top of rising prices on practically everything. Looks like we have no choice but to do what presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said: “Magtiis muna tayo.”
this strange new world.
